Tuesday 14 September 2010

Chelsea Starting XI vs MSK Zilina

Chelsea XI: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Zhirkov, Essien, Benayoun, Obi Mikel, Sturridge, Malouda, Anelka.



Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has named his starting XI for their UEFA Champions League clash against MSK Zilina on Wednesday.
Ancelotti has been boosted by captain John Terry's fitness as the England defender has shaken off the rib injury which threatened to rule him out of their opening game.
But the Italian has made a number of changes from the side that beat West Ham 3-1 on Saturday.
Branislav Ivanovic moves to right-back with Paul Ferreira dropping to the bench to accommodate Alex alongside Terry in defence. Yuri Zhirkov replaces the rested Ashley Cole at left-back.
Daniel Sturridge comes in for the suspended Didier Drogba in attack while Yossi Benayounmakes his first start in midfield alongsideMichael Essien and John Mikel Obi, with Frank Lampard still out after hernia surgery.
"John has no problem to play," confirmed Ancelotti. "He is fit and trained yesterday with no problem. So for this reason he is ready to play tomorrow.

Fantastic ability

"Sturridge trained very well last year and he has improved a lot. I think it is the time for him to show us his quality. he is fantastic ability, he is quick with the ball and it is time for him to put his power on the pitch for us.
"He has different skills compared to Drogba. I have never seen a striker as quick as he is."
Zilina are expected to be the group's whipping boys but they beat Sparta Prague to reach the group stages and Ancelotti is not taking their threat lightly.
"Zilina is a good team. I saw the game against Sparta Prague. They played well both games. They have ability up front, so we have to pay attention to them," he added.
"We are here to win. We have to stay focused. Our aim is to win this group but it will not be easy. For them it is an important game and we have to pay attention to them."


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